My work sent me to Venice for a week, and the hotel seemed nice from the photos and suited the budget allowance. I read some negative reviews about the small room sizes but was positive to not let this ruin any free time around work, that I may have. HOWEVER- the reviews failed to mention the following points which I had to endure during the weeks stay and feel it essential to mention the following:
1- Fleas in the bed- I was eaten alive during the night and woke up almost every hour itching. I thought perhaps it was in my mind but my legs and arms and tummy have the bite marks and red swells to prove it. It was not mosquitos either because the bites were different and I wascareful to not leave windows open etc.
2- Ants all over the floor- there were a large number of ants coming through the cracks in the walls at the base of the wall where it meets the floor. I couldnt walk around the room without rolling my trousers up. Nothing could be left on the floor i.e suitcase because there were so many everywhere.
3- the staff were very unfriendly and unhelpful-despite what other reviews say
4- I have travelled a fair bit, and I have never been to a hotel where you are not allowed to take the room key out with you. every time you leave the hotel the staff ask you to leave the key with them. Ok fair enough thats their rules, BUT I returned one day to find there was no one on the reception or door, AND all the room keys had been left on the side within easy reach of anyone passing by wanting to raid the rooms and steal items. It was a security nightmare and I did not appreciate this.
5- NOT ONCE was my room cleaned, despite the fact I did see cleaning staff everyday. I asked them to clean my room , but all they did was "make the bed" in a fashion. They did not change the bed sheets ALL week, or provide clean towels or toilet rolls. I had to raid their cupboard which was near my room to get clean towels.
6-The hotel is located in the back alleys which are lovely to explore during the daytime but as a female traveller I did not feel safe when it got dark. There were lots of fights and arguments between the locals during the evening as the hotel is not in the main tourist strip. The noise is echoed by the alley location.
7- There is no lift and no one helped with bags (although this is not a major issue compared with the other points)
8-The rooms are very small. I was lucky in that sense as I could at least walk around my bed, but another English couple could not. They stayed just one night but because I had paid for the week up front, I was stuck.
9-There was a terrible smell from the hallway and breakfast areas which to me smelt like wet dogs. Pets are allowed in this hotel so bare this in mind when visiting.
Overall the experience was dirty and a complete waste of money. I am not a stuck up traveller by any means, but this was certainly not average standard. It served a purpose and is cheaper than most places, but if cheap equals fleas, ants and rudeness, I would have preferred to pay a little bit more! The only positive point is that it isnt far from the bus station and the continental breakfast is edible.
Take into account everything before visiting this place. Photos to come.
